Alternate make and break relay



'? J. FISCHER ET AL ALTERNATE MAKE AND BREAK RELAY Anne 26, i9

3 Sheefgg-Sheet 1 Filed July 21, 1955 flmagzors. dsefj eisazerr 6?, 076%; flai /6, 075.

Filed July 21, .1955

J. FISCHER ET AL ALTERNATE MAKE AND BREAK RELAY 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 awm A R E H c S F .uw

ALTERNATE MAKE AND BREAK RELAY 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 21, 1955 United States ALTERNATE MAKE AND BREAK RELAY Josef Fischer and Heinz Kubick, Munich, Germany, as-

signors to Siemens & Halske Aktiengesellschaft, Munick and Berlin, Germany, a corporation of Germany This invention relates to an interlocking switch actuating device and is particularly concerned with an electromagnetica'lly or manually operable device comprising a movable drive member and an interlocking or latching member actuated thereby for controlling the operation of switching means, for example, the make and break operation of contacts of a relay.

The device according to the inventionmay be as a unit removably mounted on a relay so as to adapt the relay for impulsing action, that is to say, for contact actuation responsive to impulses, causing momentary excitation of the relay coil. The contact position which is efiected responsive to any given impulse, for example, closed contact position, is maintained by the action of the interlocking 'or latching "member until the arrival of another impulse which releases the interlocking member to restore the contacts into alternate position, for example, open contact position.

Up'on removal of the device, the corresponding relay may be operated in usual manner as a relay requiring for the contact operation to be efiected prolonged excitation, in other words, as a relay that remains energized for the duration of a given contact operation.

The two types of relays, respectively providing for prolonged and for impulse-like excitation required until now distinct and difierent structures, the latter type difiering from the former particularly in the "greater number of individual parts. It 'should be considered in this connection that the number of relays 'of the prolonged-excitation type, required in electrical apparatus, is generally greater than the number of relays of the impulsing interlockin'gtype, and the relatively complex structure of the latter relays, therefore, introduces aspects which affect the economy of manufacture and therewith the costs of the relay units.

The invention makes it possible to construct a standard type relay differing only slightly from the usual prongedexcitation type and to use such relay in customary manner as a prolonged-excitation relay or, by removably mounting thereon the new switch or contact actuating device, as a relay of the impulsing type.

The principal features of the invention may also be employed in manually operable interlock switches of the key or pushbutton type.

The device according to the invention when used, for example, in connection with a relay, comprises a unidirectionally movable drive member acting in the manner of a plunger. Such member is operable by the armature of the relay incident to its attraction as well as incident to the release thereof and effects operation of a rockably disposed latch or interlock control member adapted to interlock 'in predetermined manner with a stationary structural part. The operation of the interlocking member eifects the actuation of the contact springs of the relay.

Inthe case of a pushbutt'on switch or the like, a'plungeratent like manually operable element takes the place of the drive member to control the actuation of the rockable interlocking member so as to actuate switching means such as contact springs.

The foregoing and other objects and features of the invention will appear from the description of embodiments which will'be rendered below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings,

Fig. 1 shows in perspective View an embodiment of the invention as applied to a relay;

Figs. la to 1d indicate various positions of the cooperating and interlocking parts, shown partially in section, as seen from one end of the interlocking member;

Figs. la to 1d are side views of the positions of the parts corresponding to the end views shown in Figs. 1a to 1d, some parts being shown in section;

Figs. 2a and 2a illustrate, in part sectiona'lly, different positions of parts of an embodiment controlled by a pushbutton actuated plunger-like drive member;

Figs. 2b to 2e are views similarly to Figs la to 1d, showing various positions of parts employed in an embodiment controlled by a relay armature but utilizing an arrangement similar to the one used in the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 2a; and

Figs. 2b to 2e are part sectional side views of the positions of parts corresponding to those shown in Figs. 2b to 2e.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to la, characters Sp, A, K, J, z, F and k indicate generally known parts of a relay. Sp indicates the coil; A the armature; K the-core; '.T the magnet yoke; -z insulating members included in the contact spring pile; and F are contact springs carrying contact points k. Only two contact springs forming a simple make contact have been shown for convenience; more contact springs forming different contact combinations may, of course, be provided. The parts referred to are more or lessstandard and used in well known relays of the prolonged excitation type. Points unnecessary for an understanding of the invention have been omitted. The upper leg of the yoke I is bent to form along its forward portion a depression, but a straight yoke may be provided.

The contact actuating or control device according to the'inventionmay be mounted on the-yoke J withits operating 'parts extending between the upper leg of the armature A and the lowermost spring of the contact spring pile. The relay, equipped with the new interlocking contact-actuating device will then be adapted to operate the contacts responsive to momentary impulse excitation of the coil Sp.

As shown in Fig. 1, the new device is a simple :unit comprising merely a base .or mounting member I carrying a generally U-shaped rockably disposed interlock member 3, and having a drive member 2. The base or mounting member 1 has a cutout formed .in the top wall thereof which forms a rearwardly directed car 10 and a forwardly projecting extension 1b for interlocking cooperation with the rockably disposed interlock or latch member 3. The base 1 is also provided with downwardly depending arms each having a slot 1a formed therein to guide the drive member 2 made in the form of a slide and having a rearwardly extending ear 2a. The drive member 2 is provided with a cutout into which extends an ear projecting rearwardly from the armature A. Accordingly, attraction of the armature A will displace the slide 2 upwardly and restoration thereof will move it downwardly again into its normal position.

In the forwardly facing downwardly depending arm of the generally U-shaped interlock member 3 (see also Figs. la and 103') is formed a cutout 30 for accommodating the extension 1b projecting forwardly from the base 1, and the rearwardly facing arm has a cutout 3d formed therein for cooperation with the car extending rearwardly within the cutout formed in the top wall of the base 1. Slightly curved finger-like extensions 3a and 3b project downwardly and rearwardly from the rearwardly facing arm of the rockable interlock member 3. The extension 3a is shorter than the extension 3b.

A spring 4 is provided with one end anchored in the top wall of the rockable interlock member 3 and with its other end anchored on a part of the stationary base or mounting member 1. The spring will accordingly tend to hold the interlock or latch member 3 in a normal position as indicated in Figs. 1a and 1a. is in such position in back of the top of the rearwardly facing wall of the U-shaped interlock member 3 above the cutout 3d formed therein. The top edge of this cutout 3d extends at an angle as indicated in Figs. 1a to la. The forwardly projecting extension 1b of the base 1 projects in this position to the left of the cutout 3c formed in the forwardly facing arm of the interlock member.

A nipple P is provided which may extend downwardly from the lowermost contact spring F as shown; if desired, the nipple may be provided on the top wall of the interlock member 3.

The new unit described above is assembled with the relay, as shown in Fig. l, by mounting the base 1 on spacer members s and securing the contact spring pile on top of the base 1 by means of screws st.

The operation is as follows:

The armature A is attracted momentarily responsive to excitation of the coil Sp by a current impulse and moves the drive slide with its ear 2a upwardly. The ear 2a, being normally positioned underneath the finger 3a of the interlock member (Figs. la and 1a) lifts such member, rotating it counterclockwise into the position shown in Figs. lb and 1b, thereby lifting the nipple P and actuating the relay contacts.

The cutout 3d in the rear arm or wall of the interlock member 3 is in such position (Figs. lb and 1b) accessible to the rearwardly facing ear 1c of the stationary base 1. The spring 4 exerts a downward and forward pull on the top wall of the interlock member 3 and before the armature A is restored to normal, the interlock member 3 slides forward, the cutout 3d admitting the stationary ear 1c, the force of the spring tilting the interlock member with the top surface of the car 10 into alignment with the slanting top edge of the cutout 3d. The parts are now in the interlock position illustrated in Figs. 1c and'lc. The armature A has restored to normal and the ear 2a of the drive member 2 is now disposed with one side thereof underneath the finger 3b extending from the rear wall of the interlock member 3.

The position of the parts as just described (Figs. 1c and 1c), in which the relay contacts are actuated, for example, closed, is maintained until the arrival of the next current impulse which will energize the coil Sp momentarily to cause momentary attraction of the armature A as before. Accordingly, the drive or slide member 2 with its ear 2:: is lifted again. The ear 2a, being in the position shown in Figs. 1c and 1c, will slide along inside the curved finger 3b and will thereby displace the interlock member to the right (Fig. 1d) moving the recess or cutout 3d rearwardly away from the stationary ear 1c of the base 1. The force of the spring 4 now tilts the interlock member angularly in transverse direction, at the same time rocking it clockwise downwardly, back to normal position with the stationary extension 10 again in back of the rear Wall of the interlock member 1 and above the cutout 3d.

This operation restores the contact springs to normal. The position of the parts at the end of the working stroke of the armature A responsive to pulse-like restor- The ear 1c at j ing excitation of the coil Sp is indicated in Figs. 1d and 1d.

The armature A moves to normal position upon deenergization of the coil Sp, thereby moving the drive member or slide 2 with its ear or extension 2a to normal position and thus restoring the parts to initial position in which they are shown in Figs. la and la.

The next successive momentary excitation of the coil Sp will cause actuation of the contacts as described in response to the first impulse, that is, the operations will be repeated as explained before.

It will be seen from the foregoing explanations that the U-shaped interlock or latching member 3 is in response to the contact-actuating impulse-as distinguished from the subsequent contact-restoring impulse rotated counterclockwise as seen in longitudinal direction, and at the same time, is viewed transversely, tilted angularly (Figs. 1c and 10) for interlocking cooperation with the ear 1c of the stationary base 1. The corresponding arrangement and cooperation of parts, resulting in the described composite displacement of the interlock member 3, is particularly useful in connection with relays leaving little space between the yoke and the contact spring pile, that is, for example, relays whose armatures operate with very short strokes.

It may be mentioned at this point that the drawings do not show the parts true to scale but with distorted dimensions to bring out important details more clearly.

In the embodiments shown in Figs. 2 to 2e there are longer strokes available. The generally U-shaped interlock member 3, which corresponds to the identically referenced interlock member of the first described example, executes only a pivotal or rotary motion, as seen in longitudinal direction, but is not tilted angularly as seen in transverse direction.

The device shown in Figs 2 and 2a comprises a mounting plate 5 and a pushbutton 6 having a shaft 6a constituting the drive member of the structure. The shaft 6a is provided with two helical compression springs 6b and 6c, and slidable on the shaft is an insulating member p which corresponds to the nipple P of the first described embodiment, serving for the actuation of contacts indicated at f and f A bracket 1 is provided which has functions similar to the base member 1 of Figs 1 to 1d. Numeral 3 indicates the generally U-shaped interlock or latch member corresponding to the identically referenced part of the first described structure. The rearwardly facing wall or arm of the interlock member 3, as in the first embodiment, is provided with a recess or cutout 3d (see also Figs. 2b to 2e) for admitting an extension or ear 1c projecting from the bracket (base) 1 for interlocking cooperation therewith. As in the first described embodiment, there is provided a spring 4 having one end anchored to the interlock member and its other end fastened to a stationary part. The spring accordingly attempts to hold the interlock member 3 in the normal position as shown in Fig. 2.

It may be noted at this point that the U-shaped interlock member shown in Figs. 2 and 2a at 3 may also be used in conjunction with a relay having a longer stroke than has been assumed in connection with the first described embodiment. Such use is illustrated in Figs. 2b to 2e. The interlock member 3 shown in these figures corresponds to the similarly marked member in Figs. 2 and 2a (also similarly marked in Figs. 1 to 1d). The difference between Figs. 2 and 2a and Figs. 2b to 2e resides in the respective use and operation of the interlock member 3. In Figs. 2 and 2a, the interlock member 3 is moved by the extension 6e of the drive member (pushbutton 6) and in Figs. 2b to 2e, it is moved in a manner similar as explained with reference to Figs. 1 to 1d, by an ear 2a of a drive member 2 which is actuated by the armature A of a relay. In view of the similarity of the structures, the explanations rendered below will refer '5 jointly to'the'fi'gures wherever possible without causing confusion.

As has been explained before, the spring 4 in Figs. 2 and 2a attempts to hold'the interlock 'fnernber in* the positionf shown in Fig. 2. "Looking-at the right hand newnwardly depending arm of th'efl-sh'aped interlockme'mber, such member will now'be'in"a-positionas shown in Figs. 2b and'2b,-withthe-corresponding" In-tothe right of the ear 1c extending-from the top'wall o f'the 'base members and with the openingorcutout 3d below the ear 10.

Upon depression of the pushbutton 6 against the force df'the-spring6c, an extension 6e (constituting part of the drive member) will engage the downwardly depending :arm of the U-shaped interlock member 3 in similar manner as the arm 2a of the drive member 2 engaged the downwardly depending finger 3a of the first described structure, thereby tilting the interlock member counterclockwise, thus lifting it and therewith the insulating member p (nipple) to actuate the contacts '(Fig. 2a). The upward displacement of the right hand arm or wall of the interlock member disposes the opening or cutout 3d opposite the ear 1c. The parts are now in the position shown in Figs. 2c and 20'. The spring now pulls the interlock member 3 to the left, admitting the stationary ear into the opening or cutout 3d formed in the downwardly depending right hand arm or wall of the interlock member, for interlocking coaction therewith. The spring 4 holds the interlock member in this position, latched to the stationary car In, as illustrated in Figs. 2d and 2d. The operation in case of Figs. 2b to 22' is similar except that the interlock member is actuated by the slide 2 as in the first described embodiment. The spring 4 maintains this interlocking position of the parts after release of the pushbutton (Figs. 2 and 2a) and after release of thearmature A (Figs. 2b to 2e), respectively, until the corresponding drive member (6a in Figs. 2 and 2a and 2 in Figs. 2b to 22') is reoperated. The pushbutton 6 in Figs. 2 and 2a remains, however, in partially depressed condition (Fig. 2a) because it is provided with a bead 6d which is held by the raised interlock member 3.

Upon reoperation of the pushbutton 6, the spring 60 will be compressed further, the bead 6d sliding into a recess formed in the nipple member 2. The drive member 6e engages the downwardly depending right hand arm of the interlock member 3 on the inside of the rear- Wardly flaring end thereof, moving upwardly along such arm and thereby displacing the interlock member 3 to the right. The interlock between the parts is thereby released, the cutout 3d moving toward the right, away from the stationary cooperating member 10.

This phase of the operation is similar in case of the embodiment shown in Figs. 2b to 2e except that the interlock member is displaced by the slide member 2 upon reenergization of a relay coil,

After release of the interlock, the member 3 drops in either case downwardly and the parts are now in the position shown in Figs. 22 and 2c in which the contacts are restored to normal.

In the pushbutton device according to Figs. 2 and 2a, the spring 6d, compressed upon contact-closing actuation of the nipple p, exerts its force upon the nipple, moving it to normal position and thus restoring the contacts 1 and 15. The spring 60 at the same time causes the pushbutton 6 with its shaft 6a to restore to the initial position shown in Fig. 2.

It will be seen from the foregoing explanations that there is in each embodiment a generally U-shaped interlock or control member 3, which is actuated by unidirectionally movable drive member respectively shown at 2-211 and 6-62, the drive member being controlled by the armature A of a relay (Figs. l-ld and Figs. 2b to 2e) or by a manually operable element (pushbutton 6 in Figs. 2 and 2a) for the purpose of displacing a window-like cutout or recess 3d formed in the interlock member 3, with respect to a stationary part 10 for interlocking coopera- 6 tiontherewith, so'as toactuate andto maintain actuated switc-h means ("contacts- F and f f flrespectively) responsiveto first actuationof'thedrive-meansand to release the interlock responsive to subsequent actuation of the drive means so a's-torestore the switch means to norrnal.

Changes may be made within the scope and spirit of the appendedclairns.

We claim:

1. In switching apparatus having contact means for controlling an electrical circuit and the like, a-dev'ice for alternately placing saidcontact means into-actuated and thereafter into released position, said "device comprising a relatively stationary member, an interlock member movably mounted-on'saidstationary member forinterlocking coaction therewith, spring means for holding said interlock member in predetermined normal angular non-interlocked position relative to said stationary member, a drive member and means for successively momentarily displacing it, said drive member being upon first displacement thereof eifective to engage a portion of said interlock member for moving such member to actuate said contact means, said spring means being thereupon effective to move said interlock member into interlocking engagement with said stationary member so as to maintain said contact means actuated, whereby said portion of said interlock member is displaced in its position with respect to said drive member, said drive member being upon second displacement effective to actuate said portion of said interlock member for the purpose of moving such member to release the interlocking engagement thereof with said stationary member, said spring thereupon restoring said interlock member to normal position and thereby restoring said contact means, a base for rockably supporting said interlock member, an extension formed by said base constituting said stationary member, means extending from said base for movably mounting said drive member, an electromagnetically operable armature for controlling said drive member, said base and said drive member and said interlock member forming a unitary assembly, and means for removably mounting said assembly to dispose said interlock member adjacent said contact means and said drive member linked to said armature.

2. In switching apparatus having contact means for controlling an electrical circuit and the like, a device for alternately placing said contact means into actuated and thereafter into released position, said device comprising a relatively stationary member, an interlock member movably mounted on said stationary member for interlocking coaction therewith, spring means for holding said interlock member in predetermined normal angular non-interlocked position relative to said stationary member, a drive member and means for successively momentarily displacing it, said drive member being upon first displacement thereof effective to engage a portion of said interlock member for moving such member to actuate said contact means, said spring means being thereupon effective to move said interlock member into interlocking engagement wtih said stationary member so as to maintain said contact means actuated, whereby said portion of said interlock member is displaced in its position with respect to said drive member, said drive member being upon second displacement effective to actuate said portion of said interlock member for the purpose of moving such member to release the interlocking engagement thereof with said stationary member, and said spring thereupon restoring said interlock member to normal position and thereby restoring said contact means, said interlock member comprising an arm angularly extending therefrom, said arm forming said portion for cooperation with said drive member, a recess being formed in said arm for interlock cooperation with said stationary member.

3. A structure and cooperation of parts according to claim 2, wherein said stationary member is a flat memher, said recess having an edge which extends in normal position of the parts at an angle to the plane of said stationary member, said spring being upon first displacement of said interlock member by "said drive member effective to move said arm with respect to said stationary member which enters said recess for interlocking cooperation therewith, the angularly extending edge of said recess in engagement with said stationary member causing tilting displacement of said interlock member in a transverse plane to effect actuation of said contact means.

4. A structure and cooperation of parts according to claim 3, wherein said arm of said interlock member has two ears extending therefrom, said ears constituting portions one for coacu'on with said driving member responsive to first actuation thereof and one for coaction therewith responsive to second actuation thereof.

8 7 ti e References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Sibley Jan. 7, 1896 Deans July 10, 1934 Bergmann Nov. 28, 1950 Rugh Dec. 19, 1950 Alexander Dec. 18, 1951 Stehlik Nov. 11, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS Switzerland Aug. 2, 1948 France Oct. 22, 1927 

